“Honestly, no one could’ve helped me at that point. I’ve had to go through a long process of counseling and grieving and trying to pull my life back together.”

“How’s that going?”

Izzy could answer this honestly, and it felt good to be able to say it. “I’m actually in a great place. I’m at NCIS, and I enjoy my work, although I’m still considering options for the future. In bigger personal news, I finally started to date again, and I’m completely head over heels. His name is Aiden. He works for Virginia State Patrol.”

Alicia’s eyes sparkled. “I can see by how you talk about him how much he means to you.”

“It took me a while to be able to trust anyone. Especially another man. And to make it worse, another man in law enforcement. But Aiden couldn’t be more different from the sergeant. He is loving, caring, and I trust him with my life.”

“Sounds like he’s the real deal. I’m very happy for you. Whatever you need from me, just let me know.”

“I’ll talk to the detectives and point them in your direction. I can’t guarantee they’ll want to talk to you, but I hope they will, especially since you’re a former cop.” Izzy considered her next question. “I’m pondering what my next career move should be. How do you like being an instructor?”

“It’s really good. I like teaching. It suits my personality. Hey, once you have a few more years under your belt, I’d love to put in a rec for you. I think you could excel in that field.”

Izzy would need a lot more time working in law enforcement before that was possible. Alicia had at least a decade of experience. “That’s so generous of you. You’re going to think I’m crazy, but I’m actually batting around the idea of going to law school.”

“That’s a great idea! You would make a wonderful attorney. You will be a fierce advocate. What type of law are you thinking about?”

Izzy wasn’t sure how Alicia would react to her future career plans. “I want to be a prosecutor.”

Alicia gave her a knowing look. “Now, that sounds like a plan. After all you’ve been through, it makes a lot of sense.”

“A fresh start in my career could give me a new purpose. Putting scumbags like the sergeant behind bars would be fulfilling. Being able to seek justice in a different way. What I’m doing at NCIS is really important work, but I don’t know that it’s the long game for my career. Does that make sense?”

“Absolutely. I can see it in your eyes. If there’s anything else I can do, let me know.”

“You’ve already offered to do so much. And on that note, I’ll get out of your hair.”